Irishman debuts in AFL

Irishman Setanta O'hAilpin today (Saturday May 7, 2004) debuted for Carlton at the MCG. Setanta was elevated onto the senior list during the week and was named as an emergency, but came into the team to play Richmond as Chambers withdrew late.

The Irishman was pre-drafted onto the Carlton International Rookie list in 2003, and played all of last year in the VFL with the Northern Bullants.

Setanta kicked a goal with his first kick in AFL football but the Blues got thumped by 85 points to Richmond. Born in Sydney to Irish and Fijian parents, Setanta moved to Ireland as a junior. He was a national hurling champion for his team Cork, and he represented Ireland in the International Rules Series in 2004.

Setanta’s stats for his first AFL game were 1 kick, 1 mark, 1 tackle, 1 free against and one goal.